Apex Glazing Motorised Pleated Blinds
A bespoke shading solution designed around changing angles and a structural steel beam
This apex glazing installation required a motorised pleated blind solution that could follow changing geometry, work around a structural steel beam and still operate fully across the glazing.
It was not a standard triangular opening, so the blinds had to be carefully measured, manufactured and tested before installation.
The Challenge
The apex had changing angles and varying hip heights, with a steel beam running directly into the point of the apex.
The beam created a specific clearance problem. A blind simply cut around the steel would not have been able to open fully. The solution therefore needed to clear the beam throughout its movement without compromising the preferred appearance of the installation.
The headrail also needed to run the full length of the glazing frame rather than stopping short of the structural beam.
The Solution
Sona motorised pleated blinds were selected for the installation. The apex was split down the middle into two blinds, creating a practical arrangement for the shape of the glazing.
Measurements were taken on site and sent directly to Sona HQ. Sona entered the measurements into its system to check whether the angles matched. This measure-check process was repeated until all measurements matched within tolerance.
Because of the changing angles, varying hip heights and the steel beam at the apex, the two blinds had to be made on a jig at Sona HQ. The finished arrangement was then tested with the beam running into the apex before the blinds were installed.
The fabric was cut in a specific way to clear the steel beam throughout the full opening and closing movement. This allowed the blinds to open fully while keeping the headrail running the full length of the glazing frame as preferred.
The Result
The blinds fitted perfectly first time.
Once installed, the Sona motorised pleated blinds provided privacy and heat control while complementing the interior design. The specially shaped fabric cleared the steel beam throughout its movement, allowing the blinds to open fully without fouling the structure.
The result was a clean, practical motorised shading installation that worked with the geometry of the glazing rather than trying to force a standard blind into a non-standard opening.
What Made the Installation Work
The key was the coordination between accurate site measurement, direct checking with Sona HQ and testing on a jig before installation.
The angles were checked repeatedly until they matched within tolerance. The blind arrangement was manufactured and tested around the steel beam, and the fabric was shaped specifically to preserve full operation.
That preparation helped deliver a first-time fit on a technically demanding apex installation.
Project Details
Product: Sona motorised pleated blinds
Configuration: Two blinds split down the middle of the apex
Glazing: Apex glazing with changing angles and varying hip heights
Structural constraint: Steel beam running directly into the apex point
Measurement process: Site measurements checked directly with Sona HQ until the angles matched within tolerance
Manufacture: Blinds made on a jig at Sona HQ and tested around the beam
Fabric detail: Cut to clear the beam and allow full opening and closing movement
Result: Fitted perfectly first time, providing privacy and heat control while complementing the interior design
Need Shading for an Unusual Glazed Opening?
If your project involves apex glazing, changing angles, roof glazing, large apertures or other difficult geometry, the right solution usually needs to be considered before standard blinds are ordered.
Discuss your project with Aperture Shading.